5 On Your Side gets woman $4,000 due in pandemic unemployment pay

From faulty car engines to electric bills and everything between, the 5 On Your Side team works hard every day to resolve consumer complaints and concerns.

Recently, they got one woman more than $4,000 in unpaid unemployment benefits.

When the pandemic hit in the spring of 2020, the number of unemployed North Carolinas more than doubled. A local massage therapist who lost her job then told 5 On Your Side that as of the summer of 2022, she was still waiting for unemployment benefits.

“I have called numerous times and written letters but I still have not received the back pay due to me. I hope you can help,” she wrote.

It took about two weeks, but the woman finally got what she deserved, a total $4,170.

"After fighting for this compensation for almost two years, my checking account received the deposit for the back pay due to me," she wrote. "I’m not sure which is better – receiving the funds or not having to deal with this anymore."

Five On Your Side gets lots of complaints related to unemployment benefits. While the department wouldn’t comment on any specific case, they suggest that people waiting for help check the status of their claim online or over the phone. It's important that claimants watch for mail or email notifications from the North Carolina Division of Employment Security and respond in a timely manner if asked for additional information.